The Alton Mill will play host to the Jason Wilson Band at the official launch party for their new album, Perennials on April 15 at 7pm.
Jason Wilson’s music has been described as “reggae-impressionism, jazzy-reggae,” or even “post-reggae.”
It is a sound where reggae is freely brushed – not strictly detailed – allowing space on the canvas for wildly divergent inspirations to peek through.
Over the course of three decades, Wilson has developed an irresistible take on the Jamaican art form, which demonstrates both solemn reverence for its roots, and a re-imagining of its musical aesthetics.
Written in New York City over the course of 18 months, Perennials articulates this singular sound. Thematically, the artist captures Gotham as if seen through F. Scott Fitzgerald’s critical lens: the city is that “once golden shimmering mirage.”
But the album is not a love letter. Rather, it is an expression of longing bucolic, “braes ablaze o’ green” Ontario where his beloved awaits.
Wilson is a two-time Juno Award nominee and Canadian Reggae Music Award winner. He is the protégé of Studio One keyboardist Jackie Mittoo and has performed and recorded with UB40, Pee Wee Ellis, Alanis Morissette, Ernest Ranglin, Sly and Robbie, Dick Gaughan, Dave Swarbrick, Ron Sexsmith and Percy Sledge, among others.
Besides vocals and piano, he plays the organ and accordion on this new album.
His band, The Perennials, includes Marcus Ali on saxophones, whistles, and vocals; Patrice Barbanchon on trumpet and vocals; Perry Joseph on guitars and vocals; Andrew Stewart on bass; and Zaynab Wilson on cajon, percussion and vocals.
Wilson is also an adjunct-professor of history at the University of Guelph and has five books to his name. He is currently co-authoring the official book celebrating the Toronto Maple Leafs centenary.
Food at the event will be offered by Chef Pam Fanjoy and The Friendly Chef Adventures.
Online Early Bird tickets are $25 via TicketScene.ca (Search: Alton Mill Arts) or in person at Aardvark Music and Culture in Orangeville.
Tickets cost $30 at the door.
